Buying guide
Choose the ice your service needs first, then compare how much the machine can produce and how much it can hold. A daily production figure and a storage-bin capacity describe different jobs. Neither tells you, on its own, how much ice will be ready at your busiest moment.
Before browsing, write down what the ice is for, when demand peaks and where the machine could be installed. That gives you a useful brief for comparing models without assuming the largest daily-output figure is automatically the right purchase.
Start with the ice type
Our M660 commercial ice maker produces gourmet-cube ice. Its description lists adjustable ice size with a stated cube weight from 18 to 32g. If you are planning drink service, decide how the ice should fit your glassware and serving routine before comparing production capacity.
The HZB35 undercounter ice machine lists a nominal cube size of 22 × 22 × 22mm with adjustable thickness. That is another cube option to assess against your intended use; the dimensions are a supplier specification rather than a promise about every finished cube.
For a different ice format, the SFIM50 flake ice machine is described for bars, cafés and food displays. This model produces flake ice, which should be assessed separately from cube ice when choosing for a particular service. If your recipe or display needs a particular texture, confirm that requirement before choosing.
Separate daily production from the bin
A kilograms-per-24-hours figure is a production rating. The bin figure describes storage capacity. For example, the M660 lists up to 66kg per 24 hours and an integral 35kg bin. It does not hold a full day’s rated production all at once.
Compare both figures across a shortlist. The HZB35 has a lower listed daily output than the SFIM50, but a larger listed bin. That difference matters when you are planning how ice will be available across a service, rather than simply ranking machines by kilograms per day.
| Model | Ice format | Supplier-rated maximum production | Listed bin |
|---|---|---|---|
| M660 | Gourmet cube | 66kg/24h | 35kg |
| HZB35 | Cube; nominal 22mm size | 35kg/24h | 15kg |
| SFIM50 | Flake | 50kg/24h | 10kg |
Estimate your busiest service separately from your daily total. Note when staff will take ice and how much they normally use, then discuss that pattern alongside the production and bin figures. Avoid converting a daily rating into a guaranteed number of drinks: portions and operating conditions need to be considered.
Read the conditions behind the output
The SFIM50’s rated production is based on 10°C inlet water and a 15°C ambient temperature. Its actual output depends on operating conditions. The M660 and HZB35 descriptions also make clear that daily output is a supplier rating affected by conditions.
Use those figures to open a practical conversation about the proposed site. Do not assume a warmer kitchen, a different inlet-water temperature or a demanding service will reproduce a headline rating. A model’s rated output is useful comparison information, with the conditions kept alongside it.
Plan water, drainage and access together
The M660 requires a suitable potable-water supply, drain and fixed electrical socket; its specified connection is a 13A plug. Water quality, pressure, drainage and ventilation need checking, and water treatment may be needed. Plumbing, treatment equipment and installation are separate from the machine.
The SFIM50 requires mains potable water and drainage. Its manual requirements quoted in the description include at least 150mm ventilation clearance around the machine and a 1.5–3 bar mains-water supply. Apply those requirements to that model; use the exact instructions for any alternative.
- Choose the ice format for the intended drinks, recipes or display.
- Compare daily production and bin capacity against your service pattern.
- Check the water supply, drain, electrical connection and ventilation before settling the position.
- Allow access for receiving, cleaning and maintenance, and follow cleaning and descaling instructions.
Ready to compare machines? Explore our Refrigeration & Ice collection. Bring KitchenLynx your service pattern, preferred ice type and proposed location so any installation questions can be checked before ordering.